General Background
Shalva, the Israel Association for the Care and Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, promotes the integration of individuals with disabilities into Israeli society by providing holistic support throughout the lifecycle. The Adult Department currently includes approximately 100 participants employed both in Shalva and in the wider workforce, all receiving tailored professional guidance.
As part of the department’s activities, we were generously granted access to the VITA learning platform by the Karten Foundation. VITA is a virtual job interview simulator with varying levels of difficulty. It enables graduates to practice communication skills, self-expression, and coping with employment-related scenarios in preparation for integration into the open labor market or supported employment.
Use of the Platform During Wartime
During the recent war, graduates faced complex emotional challenges, including processing national trauma with limited cognitive tools. In this reality, the VITA platform was utilized to create a safe, stable, and structured space where they could continue to dream, aspire, and practice employment skills.
Many participants connected to the platform in a heartfelt and innocent way, forming a personal bond with the virtual interviewer. Those who experienced the platform expressed a strong desire to return and continue practicing, reporting feelings of satisfaction and hope.
Supporting Tools for the Platform
Alongside the VITA platform, the following complementary tools were developed to collect qualitative data from both graduates and employers:
- Demographic Questionnaires – Collect personal data, employment background, interests, and vocational needs.
- Employer Questionnaires – Assess the graduate’s suitability for a role, considering their abilities and the support they require.
- Training Protocols – Document the training process, including practice stages and difficulty levels.
Graphs for Illustration
Most adult participants rated the platform 4–5, expressing emotional connection and a sense of achievement.
This graph reflects the vocational aspirations of adult participants as identified in the questionnaires.
Proposal for Future Research
Suggested Title
The Impact of the VITA Platform on Vocational Self-Efficacy Among Adults with Disabilities
Research Objectives:
- Examine whether practicing with the platform enhances self-efficacy.
- Assess the platform’s influence on readiness for employment.
- Explore the role of parents in the process.
Research Methodology:
- Pre- and post-practice questionnaires
- In-depth interviews with graduates and parents
- Qualitative analysis of participant feedback
Expected Outcomes:
- A working model for integrating technology into vocational preparation
- Recommendations for expanding platform use in additional frameworks
Summary
The use of the VITA platform in Shalva’s Adult Employment Department represents a breakthrough in vocational preparation for individuals with disabilities. During a time of uncertainty, the platform provided a safe, empowering, and professional space. We view it as a significant tool for continued personal and vocational development and recommend expanding its use and involving parents in the process.
Dr. Liron Benisti
Director of Research and Development at Shalva
Article meta data
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- This article was written by the Shalva Karten Centre
- Featured in the Karten Winter 2026 Newsletter
- This article is listed in the following subject areas: Case Study, Centre News